Scottish Government outline actions in response to economic, social and cultural rights observations
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 3rd December 2025
The plan comes in response to the Concluding Observations from the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights earlier this year.
The Scottish Government have published a “high level action plan“, setting out the actions they are undertaking in response to the recommendations from a UN Committee. The seventh periodic review of the UK under the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural rights (ICESCR) took place in late 2024 and early 2025, with the Committee investigating progress towards these everyday human rights.
As part of the review, the work and policies of both the UK and Scottish Governments were scrutinised against their ICESCR duties. In addition, organisations had the opportunity to submit parallel reports to the Committee, which the ALLIANCE did in January. In February this year the Committee published their “Concluding Observations“, which set out their findings and recommendations following the review. These included:
- Progress needs to be made to incorporate economic, social and cultural rights in Scotland.
- UK fiscal policy is not doing enough to address inequality, and action should be taken to assess the impact of fiscal policy on economic, social and cultural rights, and disadvantaged groups.
- The budgets for social security, health and other ICESCR rights should be increased.
- Disability-related social security, including PIP and ESA, should adequately cover additional disability-related costs in line with the human rights model of disability.
- Actions need to be stepped up so that everyone has access to affordable energy and heating.
- Mental health services and systems need sufficient resources, strengthened community-based support, initiatives that destigmatize mental health issues and targeted measures for groups disproportionately affected by mental health problems.
In the action plan, the Scottish Government set out some of their existing actions and future plans in response to the Concluding Observations. On social security for example, the Scottish Government note that investment remains substantially higher than under the previous UK Government system, and that they will publish their response to the Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment early next year. In relation to non-discrimination, they note the publication of the Disability Equality Plan in June this year, and ongoing work to develop a Human Rights Bill.
You can read the full plan on the Scottish Government website.
End of page.
You may also like:
The annual survey by Carers UK helps to shape campaigns and policy work, based on the experiences of unpaid carers.
Continue readingThe Practice Learning Review Consultation will remain open until 23 July 2026
Continue readingMulti-year funding was at the centre of the Scottish Parliament debate on a Third Sector Partnership Agreement
Continue readingThe letter urges honesty on the financial challenges facing Scotland, and progressing reforms to council tax.
Continue readingALLIANCE consultation response calls for clearer guidance, sustained investment and local support to make carers' breaks a reality.
Continue readingThe letter also calls on the Scottish Government to appoint a dedicated Cabinet Secretary for Human Rights.
Continue readingThe letter calls on the UK Government to take steps to fully incorporate economic, social and cultural rights in law.
Continue readingParties set out positions on human rights, social care and more at our hustings ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election.
Continue readingAfter the Scottish Government scrapped the initial review, the most recent proposal suggests a smaller number of broader outcomes.
Continue readingYoung people’s feedback will help NHS 24 better understand needs and improve support services.
Continue readingALLIANCE input and lived experience evidence help shape stronger, person-centred and trauma-informed maternity care
Continue readingSupporting stronger information rights, while warning delivery must work for an already stretched sector
Continue readingA new resource by Adaptation Scotland to help social care professionals integrate climate adaptation into care planning and delivery.
Continue readingRead more about the ALLIANCE response to the report on the impact of COVID-19 on the health and social care sector in Scotland.
Continue readingUp to £20 million to be delivered via Independent Living Fund to help people live in their communities
Continue readingRefined plans focus on practical measure to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence.
Continue readingMarie Curie has published new analysis showing that almost one in three people in Scotland die without the palliative care they need.
Continue readingThis budget must put the third sector on a sustainable footing, and deliver on the Government's pledge to abolish social care charges.
Continue readingShare your views before 19 February
Continue readingReform of the council tax system is long overdue, with the current system negatively impacting funding for services including social care.
Continue readingFirst monitoring report shows improvements in wellbeing and services alongside ongoing gaps in data and unequal outcomes
Continue readingProgress in many areas is welcome, but the budget must go further on social care, mental health and third sector support.
Continue readingThe 'joint statement on prevention' partners have issued a follow-up ahead of the 2026-27 Scottish Budget.
Continue readingEvent calls for human rights to be a priority ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections in 2026.
Continue readingCommission raises concerns over the state of economic, social and cultural rights in Scotland
Continue reading